MLB FanHouse

John Grabow Re-Signs With Cubs

Matt Snyder — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cubs, NL Central, MLB Transactions

According to a report from the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs and veteran relief pitcher John Grabow have agreed to a two-year contract. The 31-year-old lefty came over to the Cubs in a midseason trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates -- a team with whom he had previously spent his entire six-season career.

In 75 appearances in 2009, Grabow compiled a 3.36 ERA. He's a valuable commodity in late innings, not only because he's tough on lefties, who hit just .222 against him last season, but because he's nearly equally tough on right-handers -- who hit .238 against him.

Relief pitching was a problem for the Cubs last season, as their bullpen ERA (4.11) ranked 11th in the NL. In turn, keeping Grabow was a priority. Fortunately for the Cubs, the interest was mutual and the signing didn't take much time or effort.

John Grabow Re-Signs With Cubs originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brewers Decline Option on Looper

Pat Lackey — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Brewers, NL Central, MLB Transactions

The Brewers will not pick up Braden Looper's $6.5 million option for next year, Tom Haudricort of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel is reporting. They'll have to buy his deal out for $1 million, and it's all being done in the name of financial flexibility for the team to pursue more pitching on this winter's free agent market, according to GM Doug Melvin.

That's an understandable stance since Looper wasn't great in Milwaukee in 2009 (he won 14 games, but had a 5.22 ERA and poor peripherals) but it really leaves the Brewers with Yovani Gallardo, Manny Parra, Jeff Suppan, and probably Dave Bush (he's seen by some as a non-tender candidate now that he's entering his last year of arbitration and will likely be due a raise on his $4 million 2009 salary, but that seems unlikely with Looper's salary off the books) as starting pitchers right now. Melvin better have some plan in mind or things are only going to get worse for the Brewers' pitching staff.

Of course, the offseason is young and so its a bit early to judge, but so far the Brewers have already used their best trade chip (J.J. Hardy) in a move that didn't obtain any pitching, so free agency seems to be their best route to remedying the problem that kept them out of the NL Central race in 2009.

The question now is whether or not that plan will yield more fruit than it did last winter. The Brewers tried hard to keep CC Sabathia in Milwaukee, but couldn't match the Yankees' enormous offer and instead they ended up with Looper. It seems like a long-shot for them to keep up with the bidding for John Lackey, so they'll probably shoot for picking up two guys in hopes to build a deeper rotation behind Yovani Gallardo.

So which two guys on this list would help the Brewers out? Jarrod Washburn and Joel Piniero? Maybe take a flier Carl Pavano hoping that health and the National League perk his numbers up? Or is it too late already for the Brewers?

Brewers Decline Option on Looper originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Griffey Agrees to One-Year Deal With M's

Pat Lackey — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:47:00 EST

Filed under: Mariners, AL West, MLB Transactions

Ken Griffey Jr. is returning to Seattle for at least one more season.

The story was originally reported by ESPN and confirmed in a statement by the team Wednesday afternoon.

The future Hall of Famer agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Mariners that's similar to the one he signed prior to the 2009 season. Griffey returned to the city he became a star in last year after spending nearly a decade in Cincinnati and hit .214/.324/.411 with 19 homers over 117 game for the Mariners.

"I'd like to thank the Mariners organization for inviting me back to play in 2010," said Griffey in a statement. "While 2009 was an awesome experience for me, my ultimate goal is for the Mariners to get to and win the World Series."

Griffey's obviously in the twilight of his career at this point; he's going to turn 40 in 10 days and his production had dropped precipitously the last two seasons. In fact, 2009 was only the second season of his entire career that he finished with an OPS+ below 100 over his 21-year career. Still, he clearly thinks that he's got one season left in him and the Mariners must want that season to be in Seattle, otherwise he'd be a free agent.

"We believe that Ken's presence with the Seattle Mariners organization was such a positive asset last season with his leadership on and off the field," said Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik. "His passion for baseball, life and the Seattle Mariners goes unsaid. "

It is a nice thought. Something just felt right about seeing Junior in a Mariners uniform last year, even if he was a shadow of the guy that belted 48 homers with a .960 OPS while patrolling center field that left Seattle in 1999. Still, his offense is dropping and he's no longer even an option to play in field (he only wore a glove 11 times last year, with 91 appearances as a DH), which means that he's of pretty limited value to the Mariners.

More than anything, it looks like Seattle's provided a chance for one of the franchise legends to take a victory lap in 2010. While that's a noble thought, it's still a little sad to see great players cling on for one more year after their skills have mostly deserted them.

Griffey Agrees to One-Year Deal With M's originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:47:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MLB Live Chat: Hot Stove, Prospects

Frankie Piliere — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: MLB Live Blogging, MLB Rumors, MLB Transactions, Prospects, Scout's Eye View

With the season wrapped up, we can collectively turn our attention to off-the-field topics. As always, there is plenty to be discussed with the Hot Stove already burning. As each team turns their attention to 2010 there a number of questions to answer. How will each trade and free-agent signing impact the clubs involved? Which prospects, like Washington's Stephen Strasburg pictured on the right, can fans look forward to next year?

MLB FanHouse's Frankie Piliere examined all those questions and more, after the jump, in a live chat on Wednesday afternoon.

Piliere, who spent the last three seasons working as a scout, most recently in the professional scouting department for the Texas Rangers this year, now serves as a National Baseball Analyst for FanHouse.

&lt;a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&amp;amp;task=viewaltcast&amp;amp;altcast_code=080274af7e" &gt;Frankie Piliere Live Chat&lt;/a&gt;

MLB Live Chat: Hot Stove, Prospects originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Red Sox Make Decisions on Martinez, Wakefield, Varitek

Andrew Johnson — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:43:00 EST

Filed under: Red Sox, MLB Transactions

The Red Sox made a flurry of contract decisions on Monday as they hurtle headlong into the Hot Stove season. Boston picked up its 2010 option on Victor Martinez, and declined options on longtime catcher and captain Jason Varitek and knuckleball pitcher Tim Wakefield, renegotiating a two-year extension with Wakefield at a low average annual value.

There's little surprise about Martinez or Varitek.

The former, a catcher/first baseman who will make $7 million next year, was acquired at great cost in talent from the Indians at the trading deadline this year, and he excelled in the Boston pressure cooker, hitting .336 with 41 RBI in 56 games. The latter, a New England fixture and the heart and soul of two championship teams, has seen his production dip over the last few seasons.

The Red Sox declined a $5 million team option on Varitek, but he can still return in 2010 if he picks up his $3 million player option, and there are indications that he will.

The Wakefield decision is a mild surprise. The right-hander, who is the longest-tenured Red Sox player having been with the club since 1995, agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal in 2006 with recurring club options. Because Wakefield has been durable and essentially league-average during his time with Boston, the deal was seen as extraordinarily team-friendly at the time.

But Wakefield has run into injury problems the last two seasons, so the Red Sox worked out the extension reportedly at a lower base salary ($5 million over the next two seasons), with incentives based on starts and innings pitched.

Wakefield, 43, could probably pitch into his late 40s because he throws almost exclusively the knuckleball, but you have to wonder if he'll call it a career when this latest contract runs out.

Wakefield told the Boston Globe that he's "done after two more."

Red Sox Make Decisions on Martinez, Wakefield, Varitek originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:43:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rays Pick Up Crawford's Pricey Option

Andrew Johnson — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Rays, MLB Transactions

Carl Crawford will be in a Rays uniform next season, his last before he is eligible to be a free agent.

Tampa Bay made it official Monday by picking up its $10 million option on the speedy left fielder, who is the longest tenured player in franchise history and holds a number of all-time clubs records, including for hits, stolen bases, RBI and games played.

Crawford bounced back from an injury-marred 2008 to hit .305 with 15 home runs and 60 stolen bases this season. He also won MVP of the All-Star Game this year.

There's little doubt that the 28-year-old Crawford is deserving of a rich payday. Still, $10 million is a sizable chunk of salary for the Rays. The club hasn't had a total payroll in excess of $65 million this decade, and with Crawford taking up such a significant portion of that, they can't afford a down season from him.

Either way, they've clearly made him a priority.

It has been widely speculated that one of the reasons Tampa Bay dealt Scott Kazmir to the Angels this August was to save money for Crawford in 2010 and beyond.

The Rays also declined 2010 options on left-handed reliever Brian Shouse and backup catcher Gregg Zaun.

Rays Pick Up Crawford's Pricey Option originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yankees Not Close to Making Moves, Including With Matsui

Ed Price — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:36:00 EST

Filed under: Yankees, MLB Transactions, MLB Inside Scoop

CHICAGO -- The confetti from their championship parade not fully cleaned up, the Yankees are not yet prepared to address their offseason moves.

"I don't see anything happening here in Chicago," general manager Brian Cashman said Monday after checking in to the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport for baseball's GM Meetings. "I have the feeling we'll be a little bit more cautious than anxious."

And Cashman made it clear that just because Hideki Matsui was MVP of the World Series does not make it more important for the Yankees to keep him. In fact, the Yankees probably prefer not to have a player who can only DH, as seems to be the case with Matsui because of his knee problems.

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"Over the last few years," Cashman said, "we've tried to improve how we go about decision-making. Part of that is sample size.

"He's a great player. I know exactly what type of player he is. Whether he performed well in the World Series or not doesn't change what type of player he is."

Cashman said he doubts the Yankees could re-sign any of their top free agents -- Matsui, Johnny Damon and Andy Pettitte -- before Nov. 20, when players can begin negotiating salary and signing with other teams. Cashman said he has not started discussions on contracts with any players.

Instead, Cashman wants to gauge other teams' positions and meet with his pro scouts and ownership before setting a game plan for the winter.

"We'll be in catch-up mode," Cashman said. "We have not had any internal discussions. ... There's been no movement in terms of business. I really want to make sure I take our time -- sit down, have discussions with all our personnel."

Yankees Not Close to Making Moves, Including With Matsui originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:36:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MLB Free-Agent Compensation 'Elias Rankings' Released

Ed Price — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:04:00 EST

Filed under: MLB Transactions

CHICAGO -- The annual Elias rankings are out, determining which free agents could result in draft-pick compensation for their former teams.

Free agents are classified as Type A, Type B or not at all. The compensation applies to free agents offered arbitration by their former club by the Dec. 1 deadline or to those who sign before then.

If a team signs a Type A free agent, its first-round pick goes to the former team -- unless that pick is in the top 15, in which case a second-round pick goes to the former team. The former team also gets an extra pick between the first and second rounds.

If a team loses a Type B free agent, it gets an extra "sandwich" pick.

The types are calculated based on statistics over the 2008-09 seasons.

After the jump, the lists of Type A and B free agents:

Players with * have 2010 options in current contract

Type A free agents (with former team):
Jason Bay, OF, Boston
Rafael Betancourt, RP, Colorado*
Orlando Cabrera, IF, Minnesota
Johnny Damon, OF, Yankees
Octavio Dotel, RP, White Sox
Jermaine Dye, OF, White Sox*
Chone Figgins, IF, Angels
Mike Gonzalez, RP, Atlanta
John Grabow, RP, Cubs
Kevin Gregg, RP, Cubs
LaTroy Hawkins, RP, Houston
Matt Holliday, OF, St. Louis
Orlando Hudson, IF, Dodgers
John Lackey, SP, Angels
Cliff Lee, SP, Philadelphia*
Victor Martinez, C/1B, Boston*
Bengie Molina, C, San Francisco
Darren Oliver, RP, Angels
Placido Polanco, IF, Detroit
Manny Ramirez, OF, Dodgers*
Marco Scutaro, IF, Toronto
Rafael Soriano, RP, Atlanta
Miguel Tejada, IF, Houston
Jose Valverde, RP, Houston
Billy Wagner, RP, Boston
Randy Wolf, SP, Dodgers

Type B free agents (with former team):
Garret Anderson, OF, Atlanta
Rod Barajas, C, Toronto
Erik Bedard, SP, Seattle
Joe Beimel, RP, Colorado
Ronnie Belliard, IF, Dodgers
Adrian Beltre, IF, Seattle
Doug Brocail, RP, Houston*
Marlon Byrd, OF, Texas
Kiko Calero, RP, Florida
Mike Cameron, OF, Milwaukee
Carl Crawford, OF, Tampa Bay*
Doug Davis, SP, Arizona
Carlos Delgado, 1B, Mets
Mark DeRosa, IF, St. Louis
Justin Duchscherer, SP, Oakland
Scott Eyre, RP, Philadelphia
Jon Garland, SP, Dodgers
Brian Giles, OF, San Diego
Troy Glaus, IF, St. Louis
Vladimir Guerrero, OF, Angels
Rich Harden, SP, Cubs
Ramon Hernandez, C, Cincinnati*
Bob Howry, RP, San Francisco
Nick Johnson, 1B, Florida
Randy Johnson, SP, San Francisco
Jason Kendall, C, Milwaukee
Adam LaRoche, 1B, Atlanta
Braden Looper, SP, Milwaukee*
Felipe Lopez, IF, Milwaukee
Brandon Lyon, RP, Detroit
Jason Marquis, SP, Colorado
Guillermo Mota, RP, Dodgers
Melvin Mora, IF, Baltimore
Xavier Nady, OF, Yankees
Will Ohman, RP, Dodgers*
Miguel Olivo, C, Kansas City*
Vicente Padilla, SP, Dodgers
Chan Ho Park, RP, Philadelphia
Carl Pavano, SP, Minnesota
Andy Pettitte, SP, Yankees
Joel Pineiro, SP, St. Louis
Fernando Rodney, RP, Detroit
Ivan Rodriguez, C, Texas
Brian Shouse, RP, Tampa Bay*
Russ Springer, RP, Tampa Bay
Fernando Tatis, IF, Mets
Yorvit Torrealba, C, Colorado*
Jason Varitek, C, Boston*
Tim Wakefield, SP, Boston
David Weathers, RP, Milwaukee*
Randy Winn, OF San Francisco
Gregg Zaun, C, Tampa Bay*

MLB Free-Agent Compensation 'Elias Rankings' Released originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:04:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hermida Could Pay Off Big for Red Sox

Frankie Piliere — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:49:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, Brewers, Marlins, Red Sox, Twins, White Sox, MLB Transactions, Scout's Eye View

In Advanced Scouting, MLB FanHouse's professional talent evaluator breaks down offseason moves from a scouting perspective.

It hasn't taken long for the Hot Stove to get heated up as we roll past the World Series. Some key players have already been locked up and some high upside trades have already gone down. What do these moves mean for each club involved and how will the players dealt respond to their new homes? Just as significant, how important will the prospects dealt turn out to be?

From Mark Teahen headed to Chicago, to the Carlos Gomez for J.J. Hardy swap, to Bobby Abreu's new deal with the Angels, each move had a distinct impact. Perhaps the most interesting of these, however, was Jeremy Hermida being shipped to Boston. For the price of a pair of young lefties, the Red Sox took a gamble that may prove very worthy.

There was a time when Jeremy Hermida was a can't-miss outfielder, considered pretty much unanimously to be one of the top prospects in all of baseball. For the former Marlin, those days were many setbacks ago. But make no mistake, there was good reason he was held in such high regard on his way up through the minor leagues. The raw power potential is still very much there and he has the skills that any scout points to with excitement.

On the other hand, the story of a player with physical skills that doesn't pan out has been retold many a time. So, did Boston get the player who never reaches that high ceiling or one it can help turn the corner?

There's no clear answer here, but it's safe to say that Boston has a good track record with left-handed hitters in recent years. Giving a guy like Hermida something to shoot for with that inviting Green Monster in left field will be fascinating to watch. It could very well put him in a better frame of mind at the plate. If they can get him confident in his ability to drive the ball to the opposite field, he could still blossom into the .300-hitting, 20-homer bat scouts envisioned a few years ago.

Considering his contract, his injury trouble and his failure thus far to reach his potential, Hermida is most definitely a gamble for the Red Sox. That only leaves the issue of the players that Boston sent to Florida in return.

First, there is lefty reliever Hunter Jones. With a fastball hovering around 86-88 mph, Jones is not a guy who figures to ever be a key setup man in a major league bullpen. If he's going to have a career, it's going to have to be against left-handed hitters. He relies heavily on his sweeping breaking ball and has shown he can have some success against tough lefty bats, but all things considered, this isn't a player Boston fans need to be concerned about dealing for a high-upside player like Hermida.

Jose Alvarez, the second and even lesser known of the two lefty arms Boston sent to the Marlins, also does not profile as a savior in this deal for Florida. After scouting him back in spring training, my impression of Alvarez was not an uncommon one. This isn't a pitcher with standout skills or projectability. There are some things to like about the 20-year-old southpaw, who finished the season at advanced Single-A, but he is not going to wow anyone with his raw stuff.

He's a feel pitcher with plus command of his pitches, and that control is going to need to remain for him if he's going to have success at higher levels. His fastball sits at 86-89 mph and he relies heavily on his two average secondary pitches. He has confidence in his changeup and has proved he could locate his 74-77 mph breaking ball against lefties.

The main concern with Alvarez is his over-aggressiveness in the zone. He gets too much plate when he's ahead in the count for a pitcher with less-than-electric stuff. Overall, there is enough there for him to have a role in a big-league bullpen, but given his smallish frame and current stuff there isn't a lot of upside.

If there is gamble for Boston in picking up Jeremy Hermida, it is not because it gave up high upside talent to get him. Clearly this was about dumping salary from the Marlins' perspective, and that is the positive they must take from this, because the talent they received doesn't come close to equaling Hermida's upside.

Quick Hits

o. We've yet to see how this year's market will take shape, but Bobby Abreu will not be left hanging like he was last year as it evaporated before his eyes. The pairing of him and the Angels is a perfect one, as his patient approach brings a balance to their aggressive lineup. With potential losses of key players elsewhere on its roster looming, this was a big move for Los Angeles. You know what Abreu will give you going into a season, and the Angels can now plan around him when constructing their 2010 lineup.

o. Carlos Gomez was one of the centerpieces of the Johan Santana trade, but things just never got off the ground for him in Minnesota. It was evident at times that both his attitude and careless play did not mesh with the hard-nosed, mistake-free brand baseball the Twins like to play. In that regard, you have to credit the Twins for being unafraid of dispatching a player for whom they clearly had high hopes. From a Brewers perspective, it can not hurt to give a player with physical gifts like Gomez a fresh start. Despite his struggles, there is still tremendous upside there. Of course, if J.J. Hardy can return to his peak offensive form, we might look at the Twins' side of the deal as one of the steals of the offseason.

o. He's never had overwhelming numbers, but from a scout's perspective there are a number of reasons Mark Teahen could continue to develop offensively. He's shown some of his best power to the opposite field, but it would be nice to see him learn to spin on the good fastball inside. That is about the only thing that's prevented him from taking off at the plate, and that's how opposing pitching will continue to try to get him out. The White Sox obviously hope he puts it all together with them.

Frankie Piliere spent the last three seasons working as a scout, most recently in the professional scouting department for the Texas Rangers in 2009. He now serves as the National Baseball Analyst here at FanHouse.

Hermida Could Pay Off Big for Red Sox originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:49:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Red Sox Decline Gonzalez's 2010 Option

Andrew Johnson — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:01:00 EST

Filed under: Red Sox, MLB Transactions

The Boston Red Sox have declined their $6 million option on shortstop Alex Gonzalez for next season, according to the Boston Globe, once again leaving the team without a reliable everyday player at the position heading into offseason.

It's been a revolving door at shortstop in Boston since the team dealt Nomar Garciaparra at the trading deadline in 2004, with general manager Theo Epstein unable to find a suitable long-term replacement.

Four different players -- Gonzalez, Nick Green, Julio Lugo and Jed Lowrie -- played at least 21 games at the position this season. Between Garciaparra's departure and this season, Orlando Cabrera, Edgar Renteria, Gonzalez (in 2006), Lugo and Lowrie have manned the position, with the Red Sox doling out $76 million in contracts to Renteria and Lugo alone.

According to the report, Boston has not ruled out bringing back Gonzalez, just at a lower salary than the $6 million they would have had to pay had they picked up the option.

Gonzalez was very good down the stretch for the Red Sox, hitting .284 with a .769 OPS in 44 games after being traded from the Reds, but those numbers are well out of line with his career norms (his lifetime OPS is 80 points lower), and Boston doesn't typically go for players with such poor plate discipline. Gonzalez's career on-base percentage is .294.

The Red Sox are not afraid to get creative, and they have been linked to the recently traded J.J. Hardy and Marlins superstar (and former Boston farmhand) Hanley Ramirez over the last year or so. Still, the acquisition cost of a major upgrade at short could be very high in trade and a weak free-agent class could lead Gonzalez back into the arms of Boston.

Red Sox Decline Gonzalez's 2010 Option originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phillies Decline Pedro Feliz's Option

Tom Fornelli — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:04:00 EST

Filed under: Phillies, NL East, MLB Transactions

Considering that the Phillies made a few changes to their lineup in 2009 after winning a World Series, it shouldn't really come as a surprise that the 2010 version of the team will look a bit different as well. It was announced by the team on Sunday that they would not be picking up the option on third baseman Pedro Feliz, who will now become a free agent.

This does not mean that Feliz won't be back with the Phillies next season, it just means that he won't be back at the price of $5.5 million. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. did say that he wouldn't rule out re-signing Feliz this winter in the team's official statement regarding the Feliz option.

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"This doesn't preclude us from bringing Pedro back next season," Amaro said in a statement. "While this allows us to explore other opportunities, we will continue to keep the lines of communication open with Pedro and his representative."

There is no shortage of those other opportunities this winter either, as Chone Figgins, Adrian Beltre, Mark DeRosa and other third baseman will all be available on the free agent market. While it's unknown whether or not the Phillies will get involved in the Figgins sweepstakes, it's likely they'll take a look at Beltre.

He's a very similar player to Feliz offensively, and also plays outstanding defense at the hot corner like Feliz. The difference is that Beltre is four years younger than the 34-year-old Feliz, who will turn 35 in April.

Phillies Decline Pedro Feliz's Option originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:04:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Manny Ramirez Exercises His Option to Stay in Los Angeles

Tom Fornelli — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:13:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, NL West, MLB Transactions

In what wasn't much of a surprise, Los Angeles Dodgers left-fielder Manny Ramirez has decided to exercise his player option for 2010 and will return to the Dodgers next season. His agent Scott Boras let Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti know about Ramirez's decision on Friday night.

All of which means that Ramirez will make $20 million with the Dodgers rather than becoming a free agent, which is a smart move considering it's highly unlikely Manny would get that much money anywhere else next year. Manny didn't have the greatest season for the Dodgers in 2009, but Colletti is confident he'll bounce back next season.

"There was no doubt he had his struggles this past season," he said. "We still feel that he's a very good hitter and maybe with a winter off and a chance to regroup, he can come back with a better frame of mind and his confidence rebuilt."

Those struggles were no doubt aided by the 50-game suspension Ramirez had to serve midway through the season after violating MLB's drug policy. Before the suspension Ramirez was hitting .348 with six home runs and 20 RBI. After the suspension his average dropped to .269 with 13 homers and 43 RBI.

Since Ramirez will be returning, you can expect Colletti will be trying his hardest to move Juan Pierre at the general managers meetings in Chicago on Monday. Pierre has two years and $18.5 million remaining on his contract, and that's a lot of money to pay your fourth outfielder, especially when there are other holes on the roster that need to be filled.

Manny Ramirez Exercises His Option to Stay in Los Angeles originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:13:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Options Aplenty: Lee, Webb Stay Put, Dye Bought Out by White Sox

Andrew Johnson — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Diamondbacks, Phillies, White Sox, MLB Transactions

The champagne is barely dry in the Yankees clubhouse, but the business of 2010 is already well under way. Three trades are in the books, a number of players have already filed for free agency and Bobby Abreu has a new deal with the Angels.

In that vein, three clubs made decisions on contract options Friday as they held on to star players for next year. The Phillies and Diamondbacks both picked up the options they held on ace pitchers Cliff Lee and Brandon Webb, respectively, while the White Sox bought out right fielder Jermaine Dye.

Chicago's World Series MVP in 2005, Dye, who will turn 36 in January, was due to make $12 million in 2010. He'll instead receive $950,000 from the White Sox and hit the open market.

Free agency was not kind to aging corner outfielders last winter (just ask Abreu), and there is a virtual consensus that Dye can not play even an average right field anymore, but his time in Chicago was remarkably successful all the same.

He shed the durability issues that plagued him in Oakland during the first half of the decade, and was, at times (particularly in 2006 and 2008), an imposing force in Ozzie Guillen's lineup. He almost certainly will not equal on the open market in terms of annual salary what he would have made had the White Sox picked up his option, but he shouldn't have trouble finding work.

The Phillies haven't made an official announcement, but MLB.com's Todd Zolecki is reporting that they've picked up Lee's $8 million option for next season, and really there are no surprises there. Lee, who came to Philadelphia in a July deal with the Indians, was a dominant force in the postseason, going 4-0 with a 1.56 ERA in five starts, including both of the Phillies' wins in the World Series.

Lee can become a free agent after 2010, but Phils general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. is going to try to convince him to sign a long-term extension to keep him in the City of Brotherly Love before then, so think of the option as a way station on the way to the team's ultimate goal.

As for Webb, the 2006 NL Cy Young Award winner was limited to a lone start this season because of ominous shoulder problems, for which he eventually had surgery. Given that Webb's option for 2010 costs $8.5 million -- a sizable chunk of mid-market Arizona's payroll, which was $73.5 million on Opening Day this year -- the Diamondbacks must be feeling pretty confident about the progress of his rehab from the procedure on his right shoulder.

"Since Brandon has recovered well from his surgery, we have decided to exercise his option," Arizona GM Josh Byrnes said in a statement. "His accomplishments for our organization have been significant. We look forward to him returning to the mound."

Options Aplenty: Lee, Webb Stay Put, Dye Bought Out by White Sox originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:27:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mark Teahen Traded to Chicago

Tom Fornelli — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Royals, White Sox, AL Central, MLB Transactions

The rumors started early on Thursday morning that the Kansas City Royals had agreed to trade Mark Teahen to the Chicago White Sox for Chris Getz and Josh Fields. Neither team would confirm the deal throughout the day, but 24 hours later it has become official.

Teahen and cash will be heading to Chicago for Getz and Fields. While it can't be known for sure, odds are the amount of cash the White Sox will receive from the Royals for the arbitration eligible Teahen is what kept the trade from being completed for 24 hours.

Teahen could be a useful player for the White Sox as he gives them a couple of options. He can play right field and replace Jermaine Dye who became a free agent on Friday, but he can also play in the infield as well. White Sox general manager Kenny Williams said during a conference call with reporters on Friday morning that the team's plan is to use Teahen at third base and move Gordon Beckham to second base.

He'll also provide a left-handed bat in a lineup that is somewhat righty-dominant in the wake of trading Jim Thome to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Royals will be getting two players that they can use to play all the positions they had Teahen try over the last few years, and they will do so at a much cheaper price. Fields was originally supposed to be Chicago's replacement for Joe Crede after he hit 23 homers and drove in 67 runs in 2007. Since then he hasn't been nearly as productive, and it was obvious that his time in Chicago was going to come to an end at some point this offseason.

Getz will be a useful player for the Royals, though their immediate plans for him aren't clear. The 26-year-old second baseman hit .261 for Chicago in 107 games and also stole 25 bases in 27 attempts. Getz is also a solid defender at second base, so it's possible the team is planning on having him play second, with Alberto Callaspo moving to shortstop.

Mark Teahen Traded to Chicago originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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J.J. Hardy Traded for Carlos Gomez

Matt Snyder — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:25:00 EST

Filed under: Brewers, Twins, AL Central, NL Central, MLB Transactions

It was no secret J.J. Hardy was likely going to be traded this offseason, but most believed the Brewers would use him to acquire some desperately needed starting pitching help. Instead, they have opted to move him to Minnesota for a young center fielder -- Carlos Gomez.

Hardy, 27, fell out of favor with the Brewers this past season as he failed to meet his previously set offensive standards. He ended the season with an abysmal .659 OPS and the Brewers have uber-prospect Alcides Escobar waiting in the wings (he hit .304 in 38 big-league games last season). Thus, it made sense to move Hardy, who did hit 50 home runs in his previous two campaigns, for help elsewhere.

Hardy will slide into the starting shortstop role for the Twins, who are now almost certain to allow Orlando Cabrera to walk as a free agent.

With the emergence of Denard Span in center for Minnesota, Gomez -- who came over as part of the Johan Santana trade -- became expendable for the Twins. The 23-year-old speedster hit just .248 with a .293 on-base percentage in his two years for the Twins. He flashed some promise at times, racking up impressive stolen base totals and several triples, but he largely disappointed at the plate.

Still, he's only going to be 24 on Opening Day, 2010, and the Brewers can plug him into center field in place of most-likely-departing Mike Cameron. Gomez makes much more sense for the Brewers than Cameron anyway, considering his age and the fact that the Brewers already have enough power. They need table-setters. If Gomez can find a way to work his OBP up to the .350 (or more) range, he'll be a very valuable cog in the Milwaukee lineup.

Both teams have a bit more work to do, but the World Series just ended Wednesday. For now, this is a good, mutually-beneficial trade to kick off Hot Stove season for each.

J.J. Hardy Traded for Carlos Gomez originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeremy Hermida Traded to Red Sox

Matt Snyder — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Marlins, Red Sox, MLB Transactions

With the conclusion of the World Series, it appears Major League Baseball isn't wasting any time thrusting us directly into Hot Stove season. In the midst of Mark Teahen rumors, we have been served our first actual trade. The Boston Red Sox have acquired 25-year-old outfielder Jeremy Hermida from the Florida Marlins for pitchers Jose Alvarez and Hunter Jones.

Thus far in his career, Hermida has failed to live up to the lofty expectations that come for someone with his natural abilities. A former first-rounder once said to have five-tool potential, Hermida has hit .265 with a barely above average OPS through just over 3 1/2 seasons in the bigs. Of course, some circumstances should be considered.

Remember, Hermida will enter 2010 at the ripe, young age of 26. It's not like he never has a chance to live up to the first-round expectations. Secondly, he's been playing home games in the spacious Land Shark Stadium. Despite an outlier last season (where it somehow, inexplicably, became a hitter's park), the Marlins' home field is traditionally rough on power hitters. Hermida's splits show he has had trouble hitting at home, and we have a perfect sample upon which to judge.

Through his career, Hermida has played exactly 258 games at home and on the road. At home, he's hitting .253 with 23 home runs, 94 RBI and a .721 OPS. On the road he's hitting .276 with 34 home runs, 116 RBI and an .815 OPS. Clearly, the ballpark was doing a number on Hermida.

Another plus is he'll get to join a much more potent lineup in Boston, though it appears he may not have an immediate starting spot. Hermida is a corner outfielder, as are Jason Bay and J.D. Drew. Bay is a free agent and it's not a sure thing the Red Sox re-up with him. It should also be noted Hermida's name was in the mix in the Manny Ramirez trade rumors in the summer of '08 -- a move that eventually landed the Red Sox Bay. Thus, Theo Epstein and company may have had their eyes on Hermida for a while. Maybe they wouldn't mind replacing Bay with him, however, a source told FanHouse that the trade will not effect the Red Sox' effort to retain Bay.

Perhaps it's just insurance in case they can't sign Bay?

As for the players the Marlins received, Jones is a 25-year-old lefty who had a 4.25 ERA in 53 Triple-A innings this year. He appeared in 11 games for the Red Sox and was roughed up for a 9.24 ERA. Alvarez looks like the Marlins' prize in the deal. He only made his way to Single-A-Advanced this season, but put up a 2.26 ERA in 26 total outings. He is a 20-year-old left-hander.

Jeremy Hermida Traded to Red Sox originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Angels Re-Sign Abreu Through 2011 With 2012 Option

Ed Price — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:41:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, MLB Transactions

After a few efforts over the second half of the season, the Angels were able to re-sign outfielder Bobby Abreu on Thursday, locking up the first of many potential free agents on thier roster.

According to a major league source, Abreu will get $9 million in 2010 and 2011. There is a $1 million buyout on a $9 million option for 2012, but Abreu can guarantee the third year with a certain number of plate appearances.

"We are excited to have Bobby and the presence he brings to our organization," said general manager Tony Reagins in a prepared statement. "He was an integral part of what we accomplished in 2009 and we look forward to his contributions both on and off the field."

Despite Abreu's freakishly consistent performance -- he's played in at least 151 games in every season since 1998 and had at least 100 RBI in every year since 2003 -- he had trouble finding work last winter, settling for a one-year, $5 million deal just days before pitchers and catchers reported to spring training.

Abreu's age, he'll turn 36 next spring training, and a saturated corner outfield market impacted his value then, but his very tangible impact on the Angels lineup, including on many of his teammates, earned him much more job security now.

Known for his discerning batting eye and the way he works opposing pitchers, Abreu was a central figure in a dramatically improved Los Angeles offense in 2009. The Angels went from 10th in the American League in runs scored in 2008 to second in 2009, and instead of bowing out in the Division Series again reached the sixth game of the ALCS before being eliminated by the Yankees.

"I am very happy to sign this contract," said Abreu. "I really enjoyed my first season with the club. The Angels are a solid organization, with an outstanding team and great fans. With the talent we have, I look forward to the opportunity of postseason competition once again."

Reagins will now have to turn his attention to his club's other free agents, including staff ace John Lackey and leadoff man Chone Figgins, who led the AL in walks this season.

Angels Re-Sign Abreu Through 2011 With 2012 Option originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tim Hudson Inks Extension -- Pending MRI -- Gives Braves Hometown Discount

Knox Bardeen — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:36:00 EST

Filed under: Braves, NL East, MLB Transactions

You probably want to be spared the cheesy "home is where the heart is" stuff, but to Tim Hudson that sentiment apparently carries a lot of weight. Hudson, who grew up about 100 miles away from Atlanta in Phenix City, Ala. has once again given the Atlanta Braves a hometown discount. It all comes down to two parties wanting to continue a mutually beneficial relationship.

"I wanted to be back and they (Braves) wanted me back", Hudson told local sports-talk radio station 680 the Fan this morning. "Sometimes you have to tell your agent that I'm happy here and you work for me."

The three-year deal is said to be worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $27 million. Terms were finalized this week and Hudson passed his physical yesterday. The only roadblock still in place, according to Dave O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, is an MRI on Hudson's surgically repaired elbow.

With Hudson healthy and back in the Braves rotation, Atlanta has an extra starting pitcher and a glaring need for a power hitter in the middle of the lineup. To get that needed bat, the team is facing a decision on whether to deal someone from this impressive list of pitchers: Jair Jurrjens, Derek Lowe, Kenshin Kawakami, Javier Vazquez, or Tommy Hanson.

Jurrjens and Hanson are safely entrenched in Atlanta. They are excellent pitchers and cheap options as they are both young. And if the team really wants to bring back a middle-of-the-lineup type slugger, Kawakami isn't going to be valuable enough in trade. That leaves either Vazquez or Lowe to dangle in front of general mangers this winter.

Two reasons lead me to believe that Vazquez will be the pitcher given his walking papers. When it comes to return value, the Braves will get a better hitter in return for Vazquez, who is the stronger and younger pitcher. He's also got a much more favorable contract then Lowe, who is still owed $45 million over the next three years.

Tim Hudson Inks Extension -- Pending MRI -- Gives Braves Hometown Discount originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:36:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Orioles Decline Melvin Mora's Option

Andrew Johnson — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:38:00 EST

Filed under: Orioles, MLB Transactions

Third baseman Melvin Mora's tenure in Baltimore is likely over after the Orioles declined his 2010 option Thursday. The option was valued at $8 million, according to the Baltimore Sun, making it a foregone conclusion that it wouldn't be picked up after Mora's rough 2009.

The 37-year-old, 11-year major league veteran hit .260 in 125 games this year, but, more troubling, slugged .358, the lowest mark of his career and 125 points below his 2008 mark. He also clashed with manager Dave Trembley in August when his playing time was cut.

It ends a 10-year run with the Orioles for the infielder, a rather productive one at that, his 2009 campaign notwithstanding. Mora played in 1,256 games for Baltimore and was an above-average performer in most them, averaging 171 hits per 162 games with a .793 OPS. That will probably offer little consolation going forward.

It could be an awfully uncertain winter for Mora. Veterans didn't exactly fare well on the open market last winter (just look at the contract someone like Bobby Abreu got, or the number of guys who couldn't find work at all), and Mora is coming off of a very tough year. He might be lucky to get anything more than a minor-league deal.

As for the Orioles, they have some nice building blocks offensively, but with Mora and first baseman Aubrey Huff both leaving town in the last few months, GM Andy MacPhail is looking at reconfiguring the infield around second baseman Brian Roberts this offseason.

And that's without even mentioning Baltimore's decade-long attempt to patch together a pitching staff that can weather six months in the AL East without completely collapsing.

Orioles Decline Melvin Mora's Option originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:38:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Astros Hire Brad Mills as Manager

Andrew Johnson — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:15:00 EST

Filed under: Astros, MLB Transactions

The Houston Astros are poised to announce the hiring of Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills as their new manager Tuesday, according to multiple reports, first from MLB.com, a move that comes two days after the club lost out on Manny Acta to the Indians.

Mills, who came to Boston with manager Terry Francona before the 2004 season and won two World Series with the team, also managed in the minors for 11 seasons and played four seasons with the Montreal Expos from 1980-83.

The Mills hiring continues a mini-exodus from Boston. This past week former Red Sox assistant general manager Jed Hoyer was hired away by the Padres to be that club's general manager, a sign of how well-respected Boston's management team has become in baseball circles.

Mills will have his hands full in Houston. He inherits a team that went 74-88 in 2009, hasn't finished higher than third in the NL Central since 2006 and features an aging core of Lance Berkman, 33, Carlos Lee, 33, and Roy Oswalt, 32. To make matters more difficult, the Astros' farm system is considered one of the thinnest in the game and owner Drayton McLane has shown little patience for a lengthy rebuilding effort in the past (though he did seem more open to one earlier this season).

That lack of patience has resulted in plenty of instability in positions of leadership. The Astros have had four different general managers (three permanent) since 2000 and Mills we be the team's sixth different manager (fifth permanent) over the same time span.

Houston passed over two other finalists for the job -- interim manager Dave Clark, who led the team over the final 13 games of the season after Cecil Cooper was fired and Phil Garner, who managed the club for parts of four seasons (2004-07).

Astros Hire Brad Mills as Manager originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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